Permits have been filed for a new 12-story mixed-use building at 280 East Houston Street located between Avenue A and Avenue B in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan.  The development is situated two blocks north of the Essex Crossing mega project which will create nearly two million square feet of mixed-use space.

The proposed building at 280 East Houston will rise 12 stories and contain 224,809 square feet of mixed-use space incorporating residential, commercial and community use.  The residential component will total 211,028 square feet and comprise 157 apartments.  The commercial component will encompass 12,000 square feet while the community facility will contain 1,301 square feet.

Based on gross numbers, the average size of an apartment will be 1,324 square feet  The permit does not reflect any on-site parking.

The mid-block parcel has an area of 33,734 square feet and claims 328 feet of frontage along East Houston Street.  The site is currently vacant and no further demolition will be required.  The site was previously occupied by a stretch of retail storefronts. 

Sassan Mahfar of SMA Equities is listed as the developer.  SMA has been an aggressive participant in the redevelopment of the Lower East Side, partaking in the construction of both residential and commercial properties.   Two of the company’s larger projects include the Sione condominium at 171 Suffolk Street and 331 East Houston Street, a rental property.  Hill West Architects is listed as the architect of record at 280 East Houston Street.. 

The site was purchased by the SMA and financier David Moussazadeh in October 2022 for $36.8 million.  The sale price represents a buildable per square foot price of $164.  The site qualifies for a 421-A state tax break.

The 2nd Avenue Subway Station which services the F line is about a six-minute walk.  If you’re in the mood for an overstuffed pastrami sandwich, Katz’s Delicatessen is just a four-minute stroll.